Chargers introduce McCoy as new head coach

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeJanuary 15, 2013

San Diego Chargers first-year general manager Tom Telesco didn't make it all the way through his list of scheduled interviews for the team's head coaching position. When he talked to Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy on Monday, Telesco knew the talking was done. McCoy, 40, edged out Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith, among others, to be named the 15th head coach San Diego franchise history. The Chargers didn't interview Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians; he was scheduled to sit down with Telesco on Wednesday. "A week ago, I talked about what we're looking for in a head coach," Telesco said. "We're looking for a leader of men, a teacher who can communicate with players from all different ages and backgrounds, and a coach who can motivate his players to play their best at the most critical times. Mike McCoy can accomplish those goals. He's going to build a team culture and do it with passion on and off the field. It was very clear he was the one we wanted to lead the San Diego Chargers in a new era." As resumes go, McCoy's was on display for his new employer to see when the Chargers gave up 65 points in two memorably painful losses to the Broncos. That was a carryover from the previous season, when Denver beat San Diego 16-13 with a crawling offense operated by Tim Tebow. "The interview process was an excellent experience. We were very thorough during the process and made sure we did our due diligence," Chargers president Dean Spanos said. "We interviewed five extremely-qualified, highly-sought-after coaches. It was a tough decision, but in the end, all signs pointed to Mike. After spending time with Mike, I could see why so many teams wanted to talk to him." If nothing else, the 40-year-old McCoy is adaptable, converting a multiple-receiver passing offense to a downhill, run-first attack five weeks into the 2011 season. McCoy has shown a golden touch with quarterbacks in recent seasons. In his first season with Peyton Manning, the Broncos transitioned from a power running offense (164.5 yards per game) to a high-tempo passing scheme (283 yards per game). The Broncos were fourth in total offense and second in scoring, and Manning set a single-season team record with 37 touchdown passes. The Chargers are hoping for a similar resurrection of Philip Rivers, who has fallen off behind a poor offensive line and a ragtag receiving corps that in 2012 missed Vincent Jackson. "It's an honor and privilege to have an opportunity to work for a great organization like the San Diego Chargers," said McCoy. "It's exciting for me to come to an organization like the Chargers and the beautiful city of San Diego at the start of a new era and the beginning of a new culture. Change is good in this business and, to me, this is the opportunity of a lifetime." McCoy's offensive coordinator post in Denver could be filled quickly. According to multiple reports, the Broncos were plotting to move swiftly to meet with deposed Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt.